Two Unforgettable Days in Berlin, Germany: A Family Adventure
Berlin, Germany, a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern sophistication served as the backdrop for two unforgettable days of exploration for our family of six. As we touched down at 8 a.m. and embarked on our journey, our adventure began with a twist (after realizing that our 7-passenger minivan would hold six adults, but not six additional suitcases)! So, we upgraded to a spacious 9-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for maximum comfort. Mind you, this was NOT a points transaction and came at a hefty price. But since the entire rest of the trip, including airfare and hotel accommodations had been booked completely on points, we decided that we could splurge (and boy are we glad we did).
Day 1: Discovering Berlin’s Icons
Accommodations at Grand Hyatt Berlin
Our base for this exciting escapade was the luxurious Grand Hyatt Berlin, where we were treated to a warm welcome and a smooth check-in process. As a family of six, we opted for three separate rooms, with our fortunate choice being the opulent Grand Suite. The spacious and elegantly designed suite provided us with the utmost comfort and convenience throughout our stay. This suite was so large that it served as the “meeting space” before we ventured out each morning.
Cake for Breakfast? Yes, please!
Breakfast at the Grand Hyatt did not disappoint. Because we have such a large family, we were seated in our own private breakfast nook.
And the options were endless….
Did I mention that I ate a pretzel EVERY SINGLE DAY? Yeah, I’m back home now and trying to behave!
City Circle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
After settling in, we wasted no time and purchased two-day tickets for the City Circle Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. This was the perfect way to explore Berlin at our own pace. Here are some highlights from our first day:
Our favorite Day 1 highlights:
1. Checkpoint Charlie – Our first stop was Checkpoint Charlie, a historic site that once marked the border between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It’s a powerful reminder of Berlin’s divided past.
2. Neptune Statue – The Neptune Fountain, situated near Alexanderplatz, captivated us with its intricate design and beauty. It’s a serene spot to take a breather and admire Berlin’s artistry.
3. Mio Restaurant at the TV Tower – We indulged in a delightful lunch at Mio Restaurant, located at the base of the iconic TV tower. The panoramic views of Berlin from this vantage point were breathtaking. Daddy Starbucks opted for authentic German bratwurst and kraut, while others enjoyed pasta and of course, pizza. We finished our lunch with giant milkshakes.
4. Brandenburg Gate – No visit to Berlin is complete without a stop at the Brandenburg Gate. This iconic monument is a symbol of unity and has witnessed many historical events.
5. Berlin Wall – We explored remnants of the Berlin Wall, a poignant reminder of the city’s divided past. The East Side Gallery, covered in vibrant murals, was particularly moving.
6. The Cube – Our day concluded with a visit to The Cube, a futuristic and unique structure that adds a modern touch to Berlin’s skyline.
Note for future trips: Don’t plan ANYTHING on the first day. Four of the six of us were falling asleep on the City Circle bus. Give yourself a full day to adjust to the time change.
Day 2: More Adventures and Dresden Bound
Charlottenburg Palace
On our second day in Berlin, we started with a visit to the magnificent Charlottenburg Palace. This opulent palace, with its stunning gardens and impressive architecture, offered a glimpse into Berlin’s royal history. Although we had some sprinkling rain, which turned into a complete downpour, we loved this stop.
Potsdamer Platz Train Station
Our next stop was the bustling Potsdamer Platz train station, a hub of activity and a testament to Berlin’s modern development.
After soaking in the last of Berlin’s charm, we embarked on the next leg of our journey, heading to the enchanting city of Dresden, eager to continue our German adventure. Our two days in Berlin had been filled with history, culture, and captivating experiences, leaving us with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
In Berlin, the past and present coexist harmoniously, offering visitors a taste of its rich history and vibrant contemporary life. Our family’s journey through this dynamic city was just the beginning of our German exploration, with Dresden and more adventures awaiting us in the days to come. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our European expedition!
You too can experience our unforgettable family adventure!
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Also, here’s a link to the step-by-step process that we followed to see places that I once thought were completely untouchable for an average family of six, like mine! As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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